Sheriffs remove angry Amherst bystanders, others walk out

Heated opinions about a recommendation a 60 year-old man be sentenced to 18 months probation for sexually assaulting a disabled woman moved across the street from the Amherst Provincial Court on Tuesday and remained under the watchful eye of Amherst Police and sheriffs until the crowd dispersed.

Approximately 20 people filed into the Amherst Provincial courtroom Tuesday to hear a sentencing recommendation for Ronald Edward Thibodeau, 60, of Amherst, but many were either escorted by sheriffs or left on their own freewill before the matter was adjourned.

The Crown and Defense counsel presented a joint recommendation Thibodeau receive 18 months probation with conditions, his name be entered into the Sex Offenders Registry for 20 years, take counseling and have no contact with the victim.

Many at the courthouse arrived following a rumour the recommendation was going to be 45 days in jail, which they felt was insufficient. After the recommendation of 18 months without incarceration was given, a few broke their silence leading to a few words of caution from the presiding judge, Paul Scovil.

Thibodeau pleaded guilty to the sexual assault Oct. 3, with a second charge being dropped by the Crown. The April 9, 2012, incident occurred when the victim visited Thibodeau’s home. After watching television together, Thibodeau began to sexual touch the victim, who tried to pull away. Thibodeau continued the act, believing it to be consensual.

Thibodeau admitted to the victim’s version of the story, Mary Ellen Nurse said on behalf of the Crown, but getting the victim’s statement required extensive questioning. Nurse indicated the victim suffers from learning disabilities and was unaware of her intelligence level.

“The key feature of this case was the terrific uncertainty of the Crown’s witness,” Defense lawyer Jim O’Neil said. “People may have comments about the law, but I hope the court will treat my client within the law.”

O’Neil presented cases to support the joint-recommendation, where in most of the cases presented the victim was either a minor or disabled and suffered sexual assaults ranging from touching to intercourse, resulting in sentencing of conditional sentences, house arrest or probation.

“The reason I cite these cases… so when we look at the joint recommendation before you, did we review the law,” O’Neil said. “I’m asking my client be treated with parity.”

Scovil adjourned the matter until December in order for a pre-sentence report to be conducted and review the case law presented by O’Neil.

What the public should understand, these cases are always difficult. There are a number of issues I have to deal with and it will affect my decision.”Judge Paul Scovil

The matter before the courts, Scovil said, is not easy for everyone.

“What the public should understand, these cases are always difficult,” Scovil said. “There are a number of issues I have to deal with and it will affect my decision.”

For many in the courtroom, the recommendation of probation didn't go far enough.

“They’re planning on handing this guy leniency,” Paul Farrow said outside the court. “Where’ the justice? I couldn’t sit there any longer. As a father, this is an injustice.”

Ron Downey, a father of a girl with disabilities, said the recommendation was appalling.

“I’m concerned for my own little girl,” Downey said. “They think they can do it and get away with it… anyone with a daughter should be concerned about this.”

Tammy Rogers, a survivor of abuse, said the recommendation of probation instead of stiffer penalty drew up memories of her own past and the impact sentencing has on victims.

“For me, the accused got minimal sentencing for the years of abuse I suffered,” Rogers said. “For years I felt it wasn’t enough.”

The case before the court, Rogers said, should consider the victims more than the attackers.

For one father, the situation is serving as a forecast for dark days ahead for his own daughter.

“My little girl was sexually assaulted,” the man said under the condition of anonymity. “What are they going to do for her? Do I make her relive that in court so they give him a slap on the wrist? They’re offering him [Thibodeau] counseling. What counseling are they offering the victim?”

There is a publication ban on the victim and details that would identify her.

Heated opinions about a recommendation a 60 year-old man be sentenced to 18 months probation for sexually assaulting a disabled woman moved across the street from the Amherst Provincial Court on Tuesday and remained under the watchful eye of Amherst Police and sheriffs until the crowd dispersed.

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Bob

October 24, 2013 - 12:53

This is beyond absurd. People are getting longer sentences for stealing things and other non violent crimes.
The incompetence of the courts has reached levels that are blatantly criminal and are continuously putting women and children at risk of horrific crimes. And some wonder why vigilante justice is on the rise . . .

A judge can and should give due consideration to special circumstances during the justice process (in this case the diminished capacity of the victim) and make allowances. Sentences are intended both as a punishment and a deterrent to society in general, but if nothing is done to level the playing field, those who are intellectually challenged end up at a higher risk of being victimized. The potential is also there for a lower rate of conviction or lesser sentence because of the difficulty the victim has understanding what has happened and providing evidence. This should've been taken into consideration in sentencing.

I think this is appalling! What is happening to our so called "Justice System". There is no reason for anyone sexually assaulting a person - male or female and getting off scott free, let alone someone with a disability who cannot defend themselves., There is far too much of this going on in society and people are getting off with no punishment until they have gotten to the extreme with numerous victims or charges. Our government is so concerned with punishing people doing minor drugs and yet they do not take sexual assaults seriously. This strongly affects people's lives and relationships for the rest of their lives. Step up to the plate government and lawyers and think about someone doing this to your family members and you will see why we the public gets SO upset. People go to jail for a lot less!

18 months seriously, this is why people do the things they do because they can and do not have to pay the price. If you do the crime you need to do the time and sitting in a separate holding area in jail or prison is not the answer. Why should we protect you from your fellow inmates when there was no one to protect your victim from you!!! Just remember don't get caught with too many fish, or salmon, illegal tobacco or moose because you could lose your property, money and do serious jail time but sexually assaulting anyone could get you a slap on the wrist and a slap to the face of your victim and their family. Something is just not balanced on this scale of justice. Shame on the justice system

I believe there are many women who can choose who they want to have sexual relations with without a man violating a person with an obvious diminished capacity of understanding exactly what was happening to her.I think there should be a significant punishment to show that this preying on innocent people will not be tolerated.